304 CONTAGIOUS DISEASES. 



assumes a chocolate colour (Dr. A. Gamgee) ; and it is also a 

 fact that certain diseases are more prevalent on rich than on 

 poor soils. 



Preventive Treatment. — It is supposed by many veterinarians 

 of experience that the introduction of setons is a very effectual 

 preventive of charbon, and their operation is explained by the 

 fact that in inflammations, artificially produced or otherwise, the 

 coagulating properties of the blood are increased, as well as the 

 phagocytes. The quantity of fibrin discoverable after the blood 

 is removed from the body is appreciably increased. — (See 

 Inflammation — Principles and Practiee of Veterinary Surgery.) 

 The safest and quickest method of creating an artificial inflam- 

 mation is by inserting a seton in the breast — the seton to be 

 deeply inserted, and in order to increase its irritating properties 

 it should be dressed with blistering ointment. If the disease has 

 appeared amongst a herd before the veterinarian's attention is 

 directed to any method of prevention, in addition to setons, the 

 chlorate of potash is to he giveji, mixed with the animal's food or 

 water for several days, the diet in the meantime being restricted, 

 and all circumstances likely to promote the malady fully inquired 

 into and removed. 



It is also essential, not only as a means of prevention, but 

 after the actual occurrence of the malady, that the excretory 

 organs be kept performing their proper functions, and for this 

 end gentle aperients and diuretics .should be employed. I have 

 already pointed out the danger of administering drastic cathar- 

 tics, but there is no reason why the bowels should not be gently 

 opened by laxatives, such as linseed or castor oil. If during the 

 course of the malady it is thought necessary to employ stimu- 

 lants to rouse the flagging animal energies, the preparations of 

 ammonia are to be avoided, as they cause the blood to loose its 

 coagulating properties, both within and without the body ; and, 

 as already stated, an excess of ammonia already existing in the 

 blood, alcoholic stimulants are to be given in preference. Acting 

 upon this conclusion, I at one time administered acid prepara- 

 tions, and with some success, but a larger experience has taught 

 me that the chlorate of potash is superior to all other medicines. 



The flesh of animals which have died or have been killed 

 whilst suffering from the disease should not be used as food, 

 as it is apt to cause death, and the milk of affected cows has 

 proved fatal to man. 



